Carmen Jenner🥉

Author badges: 🥉 Bronze Reviewer (12 reviews) Born and bred in Perth, Carmen Jenner considers herself extremely fortunate to write for a living. She has contributed to numerous local, national and international magazines, newspapers, blogs, books and organisations in the travel, lifestyle, hospitality, real estate and arts industries. She is the author/co-author/ghostwriter/editor of several books and runs the Fluffy Towel Travel blog (www.fluffytowel.com), for travellers who love their fluffy towels as much as their adventures.

Plied and Prejudice

17/10/202526/07/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

Plied and Prejudice Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

The court was certainly aflutter during Plied and Prejudice, a racy adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice.

Featuring five unhinged actors playing 20 characters, this action-packed romp enthrals from start to finish. The night unravels from the moment the characters strut out onto the catwalk stage, running between the audience, perfect for posturing with outrageous innuendo.

Bridget Jones’s Diary fans will relish the parallels to Pride and Prejudice (minus the knickers, huge or otherwise), and Bridgerton, Little Britain, and Rick Astley aficionados will be in for a debauched treat. It’s probably just as well Jane Austen is no longer around to witness this tequila-soaked production.

Written by Matthew Semple with original direction by Dash Kruck, the swoons are aplenty thanks to director Ian Good and producer Alex Woodward from Woodward Productions. The lusty performance is hardly surprising given Mr Darcy’s soaked white shirt and the amount skulled by Elizabeth Bennett whenever there was a mention of tea, or the bell rang.

Certain cast members will be indisposed each night to keep it fresh, as if it could get any livelier. The production stars Ayesha Gibson (Elizabeth Bennet and others), Patrick Gandin (Darcy and others), Rp van der Westhuizen (Collins, Bingley, Wickham and others), Jess Lally (Catherine de Bourgh and others), Lucy Goodrick (Jane Bennet and others) Hanna Harvey (Swing) and Oliver Clare (Swing).

Set and costume designer Penny Challen portrayed Regency-ridiculousness with tongue-in-cheek aplomb. The actors’ performance, with all the grace of a frenetic ballet dancer, can be attributed to the movement direction of Dan Venz. A word of warning, this is not for the conservative or under-18-year-olds, you will be outraged while secretly longing to be invited to the after-party. Pray to Great Britain that you aren’t chosen to become part of the performance.

After sell-out shows in Brisbane and London, the Perth season has already been extended to 28th September 2025. No doubt, the extra tickets will sell quickly to the uninitiated, intrigued by the scandalous reports, and repeat theatre-goers craving more unruly decorum.

So, dust off your fascinators and get dressed (or undressed) for the booziest ball of the century at Pemberley. Mr Darcy’s shirt isn’t the only thing that will be drenched by the end.

Plied and Prejudice runs from 18th July to 28th September at Downstairs at The Maj. If you’re lucky to be invited as Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s honoured guest, tickets are $100 for a plush throne and prosecco. Front-row aristocrat tickets are $70, middle-class cabaret-style seating is $60 and the paupers on high stools will be flogged $30.

To book tickets to Plied and Prejudice, please visit http://artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/his-majestys-theatre/whats-on/plied-and-prejudice/.

Photographer: Caitlin Irving

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Good Food and Wine Show

22/07/202522/07/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

Good Food & Wine Show Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

As the name suggests, there are endless artisanal indulgences to choose from at the 2025 Good Food & Wine Show. This year was no exception, and so much more. With over 200 stalls under the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (PCEC) vast roof from 16th to 18th July, the hardest part was deciding where to start.

You could follow your nose and join the anaconda lines at the Smelly Cheese Co for gooey raclette scraped over sourdough ($15). Or visit an old favourite with a wine tasting from the Margaret River Region. Not that there was anything wrong with any of these options.

However, I preferred stumbling upon the unexpected, like Wee Smoky, a smoke-filled whisky designed for mixing, and some elusive black garlic from Black Garlic & Co. Or a sample of Manuka Wood Smoked Olives from Kiwi Artisan, along with some black lime salt from Australian Black Limes, inspired by Middle Eastern black limes. A robust selection of wines from other Australian regions, such as the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale Wine Region, conjured up dreams of a decadent escape to South Australia.

But if you’re indecisive, the masterclasses offered at one of the tasting rooms or the Gin Lover’s Class (at $89 per person) from Sonos Sound Bar, were a good place to loosen up before embarking on the heavy decision-making.

If you were keen to up your culinary game, there was plenty of inspiration served up in the Kleenheat Kitchen as talented chefs cooked live, including James Cole-Brown (Head Chef from South Cottesloe’s Gibney), Brian Cole from Hearth Restaurant (The Ritz-Carlton, Perth) or BBQ-master duo from CheatMeats. The ultimate showman and celebrity chef, Miguel Maestre’s appearance in the Harvey Norman Kitchen was a delightfully raucous affair during his Fiesta En La Cocina demonstration.

The $185 admission into the VIP Lounge included lunch, premium wines, a spot at the Cellar Secrets Tasting Room and plenty of treats, as you’d expect from your temporary VIP status. But if that wasn’t in the budget, you could certainly get your money’s worth at the free wine and gourmet tasting booths, not to mention the free cooking demonstrations, with the general admission price of $49.95 or $79.95 multi-day pass with a tasting glass.

I couldn’t leave without a truffle and some Truffle Honey from Great Southern Truffles in WA’s Great Southern Region, a region abundant in premium produce that I now intend to visit more often.

The Good Food & Wine Show continues to spread the tasty joy in Brisbane (24th -26th October), at the Sydney Christmas Market (21st – 23rd November) and the Melbourne Christmas Market (5th – 7th December). With the 2026 dates announced for Melbourne (29th – 31st May) and Sydney (19th – 21st June), keep an eye out for Perth’s 2026 dates.

To book tickets to Good Food & Wine Show, please visit https://goodfoodshow.com.au/.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor

16/07/202515/07/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

Nothing can really prepare you for coming face to face with one of the most iconic collections in the world. You might already be familiar with the history of the Terracotta Warriors, but until you’re standing in front of them, do you realise that it’s their unique expressions, powerful poses, hairstyles, weapons and uniforms that begin to tell their extraordinary story.

The Terracotta Warriors, currently on display at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, are being exhibited together globally for the first time, including some recently excavated pieces.

In one of the boldest exhibitions to ever come to Perth, over 225 Chinese artefacts include musical instruments, vessels, jade objects and animal figures, including a bronze swan. The exhibition sheds light on China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, exploring his life, legacy and afterlife over seven distinct areas, as well as China’s military, societal hierarchy and daily life.

In one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Terracotta Warriors depict Qin Shihuang’s army of around 8,000, created to protect him in the afterlife for all eternity. How so many warriors remained a mystery until their discovery in 1974 is a miracle. Qin Shihuang’s monumental burial chamber remains sealed and preserved in a secret underworld. The tomb took over four decades and more than 700,000 workers to build one of the largest archaeological reserves, and records depict opulent palaces and flowing rivers.

The life-size figures vary in height according to their rank, alongside chariots and horses, and are often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. It’s easy to lose hours delving deeper and examining the artefacts before viewing the main event of eight life-size terracotta warriors and a horse. Although eight might seem like a modest number out of 8,000 warriors, considering they are over 2,000 years old, imagine the undertaking involved to transport the priceless exhibition, including a kneeling archer and a statuesque armoured infantryman.

One thing that really struck me was the way the terracotta warriors were exhibited behind reflective glass, and depending on where you stood in the gallery, their eerie reflections seemed to multiply to the point that you felt as though you were being observed, not the other way around.

Complimented by an immersive multimedia experience, images of the warriors are depicted in coloured uniforms, as they were once painted in a multi-coloured spectacle.

Historians and history-lovers will no doubt take full advantage of the season passes, allowing for unlimited visits throughout the exhibition for $90. General admission is $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Special events include illuminated warriors at night, talks, performances, school holiday programs and cultural events, including the Guzheng Grand Ensemble on Sunday 19th October.

Even if you’re not into history, there’s no denying it’s marvellous that archaeologists are still making such significant discoveries.

The Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor exhibition is held at WA Museum Boola Bardip at the Perth Cultural Centre until Sunday, 22nd February 2026. Located in Northbridge, it seems only fitting to time your visit with dim sum in Chinatown.

To book tickets to Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor , please visit https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/terracotta-warriors-legacy-first-emperor.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Sweeney Todd, Proudly Presented By The Garrick Theatre

08/06/202507/06/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

Opening night of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” burst onto the stage at the Garrick Theatre on Thursday night 5th June 2025. Well, almost. The only apparent nerves came from the bio box (aka projection box), when a fuse suddenly blew just before the opening act, plunging half the stage into darkness. “Is there an electrician in the house?” was on the minds of the crew frantically finding a temporary fix. It was a testament to the cast and crew who handled the almost disastrous situation with professional ease.

Take Two. It’s often easy to forget that you’re watching community theatre at the Garrick. And Sweeney Todd was no exception. The breadth of musical talent wouldn’t be out of place on any main stage, except I was glad that it wasn’t, as the intimate Garrick Theatre is the perfect setting for such a macabre production.

In case you’re not familiar with the story, the gripping musical thriller by Hugh Wheeler is set in 19th-century London and centres around a barber seeking retribution. He takes up residence above Mrs Lovett’s struggling pie shop, who soon becomes his accomplice, and together they embark on a grim venture. Featuring adult content, the play explores the themes of love, loss, revenge, justice and corruption.

The talented cast is led by Finley award-winning Mark Thompson (Sweeney Todd) alongside the impeccable operatic notes and wonderful characterisation from Katie Nowland as Mrs Lovett. Their bittersweet union is intertwined with desire and revenge as together they delve into the dark side of human nature.

Returning to the musical theatre stage, Jeremy Beerkens plays Anthony, who is besotted with Johanna, played by the effervescent Lily Wakeling, whose exquisite voice has featured in Les Misérables, Peter Pan and Mary Poppins.

In complete contrast to Johanna’s ethereal presence, is her creepy guardian, Judge Turpin (played by Peter ‘Pear’ Carr, who has starred in over 100 productions around Perth) and his slimy side-kick Beadle (played by Ben Anderson) will make you wonder who the true villain is.

More outstanding performances include Corban Featon (Tobias), Nera Camponovo (Adolfo), Russell Fellows (Jonas), and Grace Edwards (two-time Finley winner) as the beggar woman and Lucy, and debuting at the Garrick. The support from the ensemble further brought the story to life, including Indya Lange, Breanna Cooke, Thomas La Cava, Carly Ranger, Genevieve Del Casale, Tim Sadleir, Louise Tucker, Kieran Smith, Andrea Zencich, Nikita Nankiville, Max Leunig, and Brandon Masters.

The tiny and minimalist stage, designed by Mark Nicholson (set design and construction/lighting designer), allowed the cast to shine against a simple backdrop, further amplifying the spookiness of the historic theatre established in Guildford in 1932, making it Perth’s longest-running community theatre. If only the walls could talk – and sometimes they do if you believe the haunting rumours.

The brilliant costumes by costumier Merri Ford enhanced the visuals while conveying the atmosphere of 19th-century London, further emphasised by the historic surroundings.

As with any community theatre production, it’s all hands-on deck with the multi-talented production crew, featuring Jason Blaine (Stage Manager), Ali Louise (Assistant Stage Manager and Assistant Props), Brody Lawrence (Stagehand) and Hamish Ford (Sound Operator) working tirelessly in the background.

Musician Ben Clapton debuts his role as musical director with “Sweeney Todd,” bringing the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim to life through the vocals and harmonies, creating an impactful and emotive storytelling experience. Paris Jenner also took on a debut role as a lighting operator, and was in charge of photography and props, including those suspicious pies.

Up-and-coming Director Rebekah Hannah drew out layers of light and dark from the talented cast, with plenty of humour balancing out the sinister moments from the production adaptation by Christopher Bond.

Running for almost three hours, the performance was so compelling and well-paced that it didn’t feel long; instead, it left me wondering what would happen next to the characters. Although it’s unlikely a sequel is on the cards, something tells me the Garrick Theatre’s rendition of “Sweeney Todd” will have its praises sung far and wide.

To book tickets to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, please visit https://garricktheatre.com.au/shows/.

Running dates: June 5, 6, 7, 8*, 12, 13**, 14, 15*, 18, 19, 20 & 21. Evening shows at 7.30pm, *matinees 2pm and a special spooky midnight performance on at 11.55pm on the 13th June.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Connect Online